Lindenwood football head coach Patrick Ross announced today that assistant coach John Haines resigned his position last week in order to become the head coach of the inaugural football team at Lindenwood-Belleville.

The resignation was effective immediately and Jeff Hynes will take over Haines' responsibilities.

“I am happy for the opportunity that was given to John Haines,” said Ross. “He was a valuable asset to our program, and he will do an outstanding job of building the Belleville football program. Anytime you are able to move your coaches on to head coaching or coordinator positions, it is good for your program. Although John will be missed, we are proud of him, and wish him the best.”
Haines is a graduate of Mayville State University in Mayville, N.D., with a dual bachelor's degree in health and physical education and sports and fitness management. He is currently working towards his graduate degree at Lindenwood – St. Charles. 

Since 2002, Haines has been coaching at the college ranks. He began his coaching career at Mayville State University as the defensive line assistant coach. Following Mayville he moved on to Humboldt State University, a small NCAA school in California, as a graduate assistant. He was also the head coach at Vermilion Community College in Ely, Minn., in 2008 leading his team to a conference championship and the NJCAA Regional Coach of the Year award.

In 2009 he was hired to take over as the offensive line coach at Lindenwood where his offensive line averaged 55 points per game and 559 yards rushing per game. In the past two seasons, his offensive line has been awarded 13 all-conference awards, two All-American awards, and one Remington award. The team competed for the NAIA National Championship in 2009, losing a close game to the University of Sioux Falls in the championship game.

“I am excited to be able to start a brand new program at Lindenwood –Belleville,” Haines said. “I want to get started building the program right away.”

Haines and his wife, Robyn, have three children, Madison, Seneca, and Myah.

Lynx football will begin play in the fall of 2012 in the soon-to-be renovated football stadium located on campus.